How To Take Action In The Face Of Limited Knowledge
The founding father of nanotechnology, Eric Drexler, who aptly described the difference between science and engineering, comments on the central differences between how science and engineering approach solutions in a world of limited knowledge.
Drexler's explanation, found in his insightful book Radical Abundance: How a Revolution in Nanotechnology Will Change Civilization, discusses how there is a certain amount of ignorance that pervades everything. How, then, should we respond? Engineers apply a margin of safety.
Drexler writes:
Engineers and scientists ask different questions:
Nature presents puzzles that thwart human understanding.
Some of this is necessary fallibility - some things we simply cannot understand or predict. Just because we want to understand something doesn't mean it's within our capacity to do so.
Other problems represent limited understanding and predictability - there are things we simply cannot do yet, for a variety of reasons.
What leads to system-level predictability?
Seeking Unique Answers vs. Seeking Multiple Options
Expanding the range of possibilities plays opposite roles in inquiry and design.
Knowledge of options is sometimes mistaken for ignorance of facts.
Simple, Specific Theories vs. Complex, Flexible Designs
Engineers value what scientists don't: flexibility.
Curiosity-Driven Investigation vs. Goal-Oriented Development
Organizational structure differs between scientific and engineering pursuits. The coordination of work isn't interchangeable.
In closing, Drexler comments on applying the engineering perspective.
Radical Abundance: How a Revolution in Nanotechnology Will Change Civilization is worth reading in its entirety.